Benefits of nature
Stress is currently rampant - whether you are still currently stuck going to work or going crazy at home! Have you thought about getting out into Nature? Nature can provide many health benefits especially in terms of mental health.
When we are in nature, the natural environment provides a restorative process. Natural beauty can bring a sense of “awe” which can restore mental energy. Looking at greenery helps to relax the eye muscles. The sun can actually change brain waves helping to relax us and also offers Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. While we can get minimal Vitamin D from certain foods and fortified foods; sunshine is the optimal source to obtain this vitamin. Spending 10 - 30 minutes of midday sun exposure (without sunscreen) several days per week can provide us with adequate storages of Vitamin D. Of course if you are on certain medications or have skin cancer risk, please caution your sun exposure and be cautious of the amount of time spent in the sun to avoid any burns. It is always best to ask your doctor or pharmacist regarding your personal sun exposure.
Nature provides natural aromatherapy. The fragrance of flowers and trees, crisp air, smell of spring or fall. Walking out of the house to get a whiff of fresh air. These scents are all very relaxing and help to reduce stress.
We can also listen to the sounds of birds, breeze, sounds of water from a fountain. This natural audiotherapy helps to soothe the reprisal from the TV, appliances, and the noise of being indoors.
Hiking, cycling, climbing in nature provides exercise which has many health benefits of its own including lowering stress and blood pressure. Exercise alone will produce endorphins, the brain's “feel-good neurotransmitters”, which induce feelings of pleasure and help to relieve pain. The added benefit of nature and scenery will further help to relax you.
Being in nature has also been shown to help concentration and creative thinking. Sometimes when we are frustrated, going for a short walk in nature can help solve the problems we were trying to figure out all day! Many companies have started to incorporate walking meetings. This not only helps employees get exercise, it boosts creativity and concentration providing better outcomes. Have you ever gone for a walk or got on the treadmill or bike and suddenly problems you were trying to solve all day came to you easily? This is from the benefits of exercise along with the added benefit of being in nature. When we are stressed, it is hard to concentrate and think clearly, as we destress our brain can function more optimally.
All of the examples above help to reduce cortisol which in turn relieves stress. When we reduce stress, we reduce inflammation in the body as well. In the end, this can all help to reduce anxiety and depression.
It is important to find an activity that you enjoy. Try different types of activities and explore different scenic options. For example, maybe you don’t like hiking but you love cycling. Maybe certain trails and scenery you prefer over others. Having a few outdoor activities is also important to avoid boredom.
As many parks and trails have closed due to the virus there are still ways to relax in nature. Seek out gardens, smaller parks,and even street trees make up what is called an “urban and community forest”. These areas of greenspace are important as they are the sources of our daily access to greenery and trees.
Gardening can be a wonderful way to be in nature while also feeling a sense of accomplishment. Gardening provides wonderful exercise which is great for mental health and much needed stress relief! There's also nothing like your own home grown food! Even in apartment living you can grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs indoors or on a small balcony.
Just being present in nature - listening to the wind, birds, animals, smelling the flowers all can help to bring stress relief. Of course right now, try to avoid high trafficked areas and keep a 6ft distance!
How do you get out into nature?